Stakeholder guidance

Introduction

The aim of this guidance is to provide information to key stakeholders and organisations to assist in their communications about the free bus travel for people seeking asylum pilot scheme. This guide provides information and links for those supporting applicants.

Scheme overview

The pilot scheme is designed to remove transport barriers for people seeking asylum, enabling them to better integrate into Scottish society from the moment they arrive. Free bus travel for people seeking asylum can improve access to education, healthcare, training, employment and community networks.

The pilot will run from 1 December 2025 to 31 March 2026, or earlier if the allocated funding is fully utilised.

The scheme is accessed using a National Entitlement Card (NEC). It will apply to people seeking asylum who are resident in Scotland. Those under 22, over 60, or with qualifying disabilities can already benefit from the existing statutory schemes and should be directed to apply for one of them.

Eligibility

People seeking asylum who are resident in Scotland are eligible to apply.

Those under 22, over 60, or with qualifying disabilities can already benefit from the following existing statutory schemes and should be directed to apply for one of them:

How to apply

Applications should be made through the applicant’s local council.

Some local authorities may work with the third sector or other organisations to verify applications.

Applicants should allow at least two weeks to receive their card. If this will take longer, their local council will let them know when they are applying.

Required proofs

To apply for the pilot scheme, proof of asylum status is required. Acceptable documentation includes:

Application Registration Card (ARC)
BAIL201 form

The applicant will also need to provide the following:

Their name
Their address
Their age
A clear photo of their face

Renewing or replacing a card

The cardholder should contact their local council to apply for a replacement card if:

the card is lost, stolen, or damaged
the card did not work when it was used on the ticket machine
the cardholder wants to change their name, address, or photo

If the cardholder moves to a different council area, they must also notify their new council.

End date

The scheme is temporary and is expected to run until 31 March 2026. However, funding for the scheme is limited and so it may end earlier. Expiry dates will not be printed on the NECs.

Cardholders will be advised upon receipt of their card that the scheme is subject to funding limitations and may end early.

If the scheme is expected to end before March 2026, cardholders will be contacted in advance by letter, advising them of the date their entitlement will end. Transport Scotland will also share this information via our website, and through third sector partners and other relevant organisations.

Using the card

The cardholder should have their card with them when they travel. When they get on the bus, they should tell the bus driver where they are going, show the driver their card (including photo), and tap their card on the electronic card reader. They do not need to tap their card when getting off of the bus.

A video demonstration on how to use a NEC on the bus is available on the Transport Scotland website.

The card should only ever be used by the person it has been issued to and it should not be given to anyone else. Only the most recently issued card should be used on the bus - older cards will not work.

If a card does not work on the ticket machine, the cardholder will be asked to pay for their bus travel. They will also have to

Where cardholders can travel

The card provides free travel throughout Scotland on local registered and long-distance scheduled bus services gives you free travel across most local and long-distance bus services in Scotland. It is not valid on premium night buses, tours/excursions, and group hire services.

The cardholder should contact the transport operator before travelling if they have any questions.

The card is not valid for travel outside of Scotland. However, it can be used on services to and from Carlisle and on services to and from Berwick-upon-Tweed from anywhere in Scotland. The card is not valid for travel within these towns.

Tickets

Bus operators are not required to issue paper tickets to those using a NEC. It is up to each bus operator to decide whether they want to issue them.

Booking in advance

Some services can be booked in advance. It is possible to book in advance with a NEC but cardholders may have to pay a booking fee which will not be covered by their card. Cardholders should check with the bus operator if their tickets need to be collected before they make their journey.

Contacts and resources

Transport Scotland manages the policy and some parts of the delivery of the National Concessionary Travel schemes (such as reimbursing bus operators for travel).

Local councils manage all applications for the pilot scheme.

General enquiries

For general information and further questions on the scheme, email Transport Scotland at concessionarytravel@transport.gov.scot or write to us at:

Concessionary Travel and Integrated Ticketing

Transport Scotland

177 Bothwell St

Glasgow

G2 7ER

Bus operators

Any questions about individual bus routes, services, or journeys should be sent to the bus operator directly.

Guidance for applicants and cardholders

Guidance for applicants and cardholders is available to download and print in multiple languages: